The Road

by Cormac McCarthy
The Road cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical:
  • ID: 609
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9780330472753
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2010-12-10
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £18.99

Set against the backdrop of a devastated America, 'The Road' follows a father and his young son as they navigate a bleak landscape, struggling to survive in a world stripped of hope. The novel is a profound meditation on the bonds of family and the enduring capacity for kindness in the face of utter desolation. /n/nWinner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and adapted into a critically acclaimed film, 'The Road' is a testament to Cormac McCarthy's unparalleled storytelling. The book has been praised for its powerful themes and has been included in the New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.

Reviews
Baddie Book Reviews · 2024-01-03
intriguing 4.00

The book is riveting and reveals very little about its characters, which is intentional and adds to its intrigue.

The reviewer finds 'The Road' to be a riveting and ever-evolving book that intentionally reveals very little about its characters. This intentional ambiguity adds to the intrigue and depth of the narrative. They appreciate the way McCarthy's writing keeps the reader engaged and curious, making it a remarkable read.

Quick quotes

    Cormac McCarthy's The Road is a riveting and ever-evolving book that, intriguingly, reveals very little about its characters—an intentional choice that adds to its depth.

    The emotional rollercoaster of the book is masterfully crafted, making it a remarkable read.

    McCarthy's writing style is both haunting and beautiful, creating a unique reading experience.

Nick Wisseman · 2023-08-05
captivating 3.50

The book reads like a primer in post-apocalyptic survival, showcasing the man's ingenuity and resilience.

The reviewer sees 'The Road' as a detailed guide to post-apocalyptic survival, highlighting the protagonist's ingenuity and resilience. They appreciate the practical aspects of the narrative, such as starting campfires and improvising solutions, which add a layer of realism to the story. This focus on survival mechanics makes the book both educational and engaging.

Quick quotes

    Much of the book reads like a primer in the mechanics of post-apocalyptic survival: the man starts campfires in ingenious ways, improvises the necessary tools and weapons.

    The Road is a bleak yet captivating exploration of human endurance.

    McCarthy's attention to detail in survival techniques adds a layer of realism that enhances the overall reading experience.

The Guardian · Alan Warner · 2006-11-04
harrowing 4.50

The book is terrifying yet beautiful and tender, capturing a post-apocalyptic America with both fear and warmth.

Alan Warner finds Cormac McCarthy's vision of a post-apocalyptic America in 'The Road' to be both terrifying and deeply moving. The book's stark imagery and emotional depth create a powerful narrative that lingers long after the last page. He appreciates the balance of fear and tenderness, making it a poignant exploration of humanity in the face of despair.

Quick quotes

    Cormac McCarthy's vision of a post-apocalyptic America in The Road is terrifying, but also beautiful and tender.

    The Road is a stark and hauntingly beautiful exploration of survival and love.

    McCarthy's prose is both poetic and unflinching, making the bleak landscape feel all the more real.

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